The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has called on Nigerian engineers, innovators, professionals in the diaspora and international development partners to contribute their expertise towards accelerating infrastructure development and economic transformation in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Abdullahi Mohammed, Goronyo made the call while speaking at the 2026 UK Engineering Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland, with the theme, “Engineering Innovation for National Impact.”

According to the Minister, engineering remains a critical pillar for national development, economic growth and prosperity, stressing that Nigeria can only achieve sustainable transformation through innovation, professionalism and deliberate investment in infrastructure.

He described road infrastructure as a major driver of economic growth, noting that quality roads facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, create jobs and strengthen trade activities across the country.

“Roads lead to prosperity. They are not just pathways of asphalt and concrete; they are the arteries of commerce, agriculture and industry, carrying the lifeblood of our economy,” Goronyo said.

The Minister stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated strong commitment to infrastructure development through substantial investments in road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance across the country.

He highlighted several flagship highway projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Sahara Trade Route linking Calabar and Abuja, and the 1,100-kilometre Akwanga-Jos-Maiduguri Superhighway.

Goronyo explained that the projects were designed not only to improve transportation but also to serve as strategic economic corridors that would enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activities nationwide.

He also emphasised the importance of professionalism, accountability and regulatory compliance within the engineering sector, noting that the Federal Ministry of Works fully supports the regulatory initiatives of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

According to him, the Ministry has endorsed measures aimed at strengthening professional standards, including stricter sanctions for misconduct, improved technical monitoring and enhanced capacity building through the Engineering Residency Programme.

The Minister further disclosed that the Ministry, under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, is intensifying project audits and technical oversight to ensure that only qualified and registered professionals handle critical public infrastructure projects.

He urged engineers to regard themselves as custodians of public safety and national development, stressing that engineering excellence must remain at the centre of efforts to deliver durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Goronyo also invited Nigerian engineers in the diaspora and international development partners to invest in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector through Public-Private Partnerships, tax credit initiatives and engineering collaborations.

“Nigeria is open for business. Bring your talents, innovations and investments. Join us through Public-Private Partnerships, tax credit schemes and engineering collaborations. Together, we can build roads and bridges that do more than connect cities; they can connect dreams, aspirations, opportunities and prosperity,” he said.

The Minister commended the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Glasgow Branch, for providing a platform for engagement between Nigerian engineers and international professionals, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to President Tinubu’s vision of a modern Nigeria with efficient transportation networks, sustainable infrastructure and shared prosperity.

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